VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing

We offer Level Two and Three Hairdressing Diploma qualifications on a full or part time basis according to your requirements.

For apprentices these courses are Government funded as you will require a work placement. All of our courses require an initial assessment, informal interview. We offer one to one bespoke training as well as small class sizes to give you the learner the very best attention at all times.

Who is this qualification for?

The VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing (QCF) is a technical level qualification for learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed hairdresser/stylist. This qualification is based on Hairdressing National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's lead hairdressing professional association (The Hairdressing Council) as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career as a senior hairdresser/stylist. Learners should hold a Level 2 qualification in hairdressing prior to undertaking this qualification.

Why is this qualification most suitable?

This qualification forms part of a suite of hairdressing qualifications. This qualification is of similar size to the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing (QCF). Whilst both qualifications qualify learners to become senior hairdressers/stylists, this qualification requires learners to work in a commercial hairdressing salon whereby assessments must be carried out on real paying clients in line with commercial service times. In contrast, the VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Women's Hairdressing (QCF) and VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing Studies (QCF) can be achieved through gathering evidence in a college's realistic working environment without the necessity for real paying clients.

Hence, the VTCT Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing (QCF) is for learners seeking to work in, and develop their skills in a commercial setting, and can only be delivered by colleges that have, or have access to a 'real' salon, and not a realistic working environment.

What does this qualification cover?

This qualification has been specifically designed for the 16-19 age group, builds on existing knowledge and understanding of hairdressing and will develop an enhanced repertoire of technical skills to prepare learners for employment as a senior hairdresser/stylist. Learners will work in, and have their hairdressing skills assessed in a 'real' commercial salon.

This qualification includes all the required elements to work effectively as an advanced hairdresser/stylist including: health and safety; client consultation; advanced cutting and; selling products and services to clients. These units are all mandatory.

Learners will further develop their understanding and skills by selecting a number of optional specialist units which include: hair colour correction; specialist scalp services and treatments; hair extension services; perming and colouring and; creative hairdressing design - the full list of optional units is presented in the learner Record of Assessment book (RoA) (specification). This qualification's structure provides learners with the flexibility to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills depending upon their designated career pathway as a senior hairdresser/stylist.

What could this qualification lead to?

Learners who complete this qualification are eligible to become a State Registered Hairdresser (SRH) with The Hairdressing Council.

Career opportunities as an advanced hairdresser/senior stylist exist in a variety of contexts, including:

Commercial salons
Specialist African type hair salons

Independent/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings

Product manufacturing and training

Television, film, theatre and media

Armed services

HM prison service

Cruise liners

Hospitals/care homes

Whilst this qualification's primary purpose is to prepare learners for employment as a senior hairdresser/stylist, learners may choose to further develop their knowledge and skills by undertaking advanced specialist qualifications at Level 4, including: